O'Fallon Chamber eNewsletter - September 2012 by O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS

a publication of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

CONNECTION

CHAMBER CELEBRATES NEW MONUMENT SIGN

he O’Fallon Chamber broke ground on a new monument sign in front of their soon to be new office space on Monday, August 13 at 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Drive in O’Fallon, MO. Growth had inspired the O’Fallon Chamber Board of Directors to start looking for a place to expand into and accommodate the needs of their 500+ members. Major changes of the new location will be a larger board room with a smaller meeting space adjacent, open reception area and ample parking. Local general contractor and longtime O’Fallon Chamber member, Schneider Construction Services will build out the existing building. The O’Fallon Chamber expects to be moved into their new location later this fall.

O’FALLON AGAIN MAKES LIST OF AMERICA’S 100 BEST PLACES TO LIVE

or the fourth consecutive time, the City of O’Fallon, Missouri, has been named one of the country’s “Best Places to Live,” according to Money magazine’s list of America’s 100 best cities. O’Fallon ranked 39th on the 2012 list of cities with a population of 50,000-300,000, O’Fallon’s ranking continues the stream of national accolades that have been bestowed on the City. In addition to Money’s previous rankings in 2006, 2008 and 2010, O’Fallon was named to Relocate-America. com’s listings of America’s Best Cities in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, and O’Fallon currently is ranked as the “Second-Safest City in Continued on pg 6

SEPTEMBER 2012

Don’t miss the O’Fallon Chamber’s

General Membership LUNCHEON Tuesday, September 25th 11:30 am to 1:00 pm @ the Old Hickory Golf Club 1 Dye Drive in St. Peters, MO 63304 Join us for our monthly luncheon and find out how to be an effective leader. Our speaker Judy Ryan is a human systems specialist and speaks from experience. Don’t forget to register in advance!

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Sponsored by: Attend for an entry into the Escape Giveaway sponsored by Travel Leaders/ Jan’s Travel & Cruise!

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday, September 11th 4:30 to 6:30 pm Delmar Gardens of O’Fallon 7068 South Outer Road 364 O’Fallon, MO 63368

Stay for 5 minutes or 2 hours, whichever fits into your schedule best. Our monthly Business After Hours are a great way to build relationships with many of your fellow Chamber Members. Average attendance at these free events is for an entry pe... Attend around 60 Chamber Esca into the Escape l e v ra with Tders/Jan’s Giveaway sponsored Members! Lea e & Cruis Travel

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by Travel Leaders/ Jan’s Travel & Cruise!

Mission Statement: The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O’Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business. Vision Statement: The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce will be the catalyst for the prosperity of our community as a valued resource for businesses, organizations, and residents. Officers: Cindy Elking, Chairman of the Board Adam Hopper, 1st Vice Chairman Jeff Arneson, 2nd Vice Chairman Russ Craven, Treasurer Stacee Gilmore, Secretary Julie Feast, Past-Chairman Directors: Mark Crank, Director Heather Deatz, Director Tim DeGhelder, Director Ron Epps, Director Michael Favazza, Director Jonny Kruse, Gracie Barra Alissa Moore, Director Brian Richardson, Director David Schmidt, Director

THIS ISSUE VOL.1 IS.7 IN

1299 Bryan Road, O’Fallon, MO 63366 Phone: 636.240.1818 Email: info@ofallonchamber.org www.ofallonchamber.org

Ground breaking ...............................Cover Best Place to Live ...................Cover & p 8 Mick’s Exterminating............................ p 4 Trivia Night of the Living Dead ........... p 5 Golf Tourney Wrap Up .................. p 6 & 7 Networking Works! ............................... p 9 News from the Chairman ...................... p 9 Member Spotlight ............................... p 10 Calendar of Events .............................. p 11 Ribbon Cuttings .................................. p 12 New Members ..................................... p 12 Member Anniversaries ........................ p 13 Member Mentions ............................... p 14 Chamber Activities............................. p 15

CHAMBER PARTNERS

Jan’s Travel & Cruise

Staff: Erin Williams, President/CEO Sara Henderson, Communications Director Sam Byers, Membership Services Director SEPTEMBER 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 3

MICK’S EXTERMINATING KNOWS THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY CONTROL by Abby Llorico Communications Intern

ver 30 years ago, Mick and Jan Ostrander were living paycheck to paycheck, and Mick had to sacrifice time with their children to work nights and overtime. When she found herself in the company of a woman who relied on her exterminator to rid her home of spiders, Jan was bitten with an idea. “I came home and said, ‘Why don’t we do a little pest control, and you could be home with the family on the weekends?’ And that’s what started it,” she said. By “it” she means Mick’s Exterminating, which has since become synonymous with “quality pest control.” When they first began, Mick did all of the pesticide work on his own, part time, while the business end was handled out of their North County home. When they came to O’Fallon five years later, Mick’s Exterminating “just bloomed with everything else that was starting up back then,” said Jan. Mick could no longer do all of the leg work on his own, so the couple began hiring for their now full-time business venture. It still remained a tight-knit affair: before they hired a receptionist, Jan answered the phones herself and got to know the customers quite

personally. “When they would tell me what they had—ants, spiders—I would say, ‘Well do you have any other problems in addition to that?’” she said. “And they would go into their personal problems like I was their psychiatrist. And back then we weren’t getting that many phone calls, so I could spend the time talking to them.” Though she can no longer name every customer like she once could, Jan says that today’s customers definitely still build relationships with the employees, most of whom have been there for more than six years. The couple’s son, Matt, has taken over as president of the company while Mick and Jan try to let go of the reigns a bit. “I do the taxes and watch the bottom line,” said Jan. “Generally I may come in once or twice a week, and [Mick] comes in every day to get the coffee.” In an economy full of uncertainties, the Ostranders feel lucky that their company is still experiencing steady growth. They consistently have to hire additional workers and have recently extended the services they offer to wildlife control. And not only are they growing, but they are flourishing: Mick’s Exterminating has been named the

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Small Business of the Year by the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce, and has won multiple awards from Angie’s List for customer service. “It’s just that old saying that the customer is always right,” said Jan. “There are very few [businesses] that really take advantage of that. If they really have a problem, we want to solve their problem.” Because of the pride Mick’s Exterminating takes in its service, Jan says that referrals have become their number one marketing tool. “The Chamber [of Commerce] has been a big part for us because it just gives you a whole new bunch of people to refer,” she said. Mick is quick to credit the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce, of which they have been members for nearly 22 years, as well. “We were always very active in the Chamber, and that always helps. If you think you’re going to pay your dues and then you’re going to get all this business, you’re not,” he said. “We were very, very busy with the Chamber back in the day.” Mick’s services many areas other than O’Fallon, but Jan says it is their personal Continued on pg 5

3RD ANNUAL TRIVIA NIGHT

he O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce will host its 3rd Annual Trivia Night on Friday, November 2, 2012 in the O’Fallon City Hall gymnasium located at 100 North Main Street in O’Fallon, Missouri. Doors open at 6:00 pm and Trivia starts at 7:00 pm. Join us for the 3rd Annual O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce Trivia Night. Our theme is “Trivia Night of the Living Dead” and the event promises to be an evening full of brain power and brain eating questions! The evening will consist of fun questions from a variety of categories, not just zombie trivia.

$160 for a table of eight people includes; 10 rounds of trivia, door prizes, a mulligan, beer and soda. You may also bring in your favorite snacks and drinks. The evening will be packed with cash prizes, 50/50, special games & drawings, a prize for the best decorated table and best costume plus a silent auction will all be part of the fun. This event will sell out, get your tickets today! The 3rd Annual O’Fallon Chamber Trivia Night is proudly sponsored by: City of O’Fallon, Ameren Missouri, Delmar Gardens, and SSM St. Joseph Health Center.

For more information or to register your table visit www.ofallonchamber. org/trivia or call 636-240-1818 to reserve your spot. Trivia proceeds benefit the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce: The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O’Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education, and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business.

Charter Business | USA Mortgage | USO of Missouri | Travel Leaders/Jan’s Travel & Cruise Commerce Bank | Webster University of WingHaven

preference to keep the company in the town where it grew up and made so many connections. “ You know somebody on a personal basis, you know what kind of person they are, and you know if they’re

going to be a company you want to deal with or not,” said Jan. Though a pest problem is not exactly desirable, rest assured, Mick’s Exterminating is exactly the type of homegrown business that you want to

deal with. Mick’s Exterminating is located at 8491 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon, and can be contacted at 636-978-5700 or www. micksexterminating.com.

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20TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT WRAP UP

n Thursday, August 23rd the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce hosted the 20th Annual Golf Tournament at Whitmoor Country Club. Golfers were treated to a perfect day, with sunshine, great prizes, lots of fun and networking! We would like to thank our players for spending the day with us, and our Golf Committee for their commitment to making this event a success. The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce would like to extend our gratitude to our sponsors including Charter Business, City of O’Fallon, Delmar Gardens of O’Fallon, SSM St. Joseph Hospital West and the beverage cart sponsors F&M Bank &

Trust and CenturyLink.

donating all of the beverages.

Hole Sponsors include: ADP, Ameren Missouri, American Eagle Credit Union, Commerce Bank, Delmar Gardens of O’Fallon, Endless Travel Vacations, Firestone Complete Auto Care, Fred Weber, Inc., Lang Insurance, Mozingo Music, Pain Relief Associates, PNC Bank, Promotions Pronto/ Community News, SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, St. John’s Bank & Trust, Toyota, USA Mortgage - Lori Williams, Vantage Credit Union and West Community Credit Union

2012 Golf Planning committee: Chair: Ron Epps, Michael Brown, Brian Cauley, Heather Deatz, Dave Evans, Stacee Gilmore, Don Loughridge, Rick Oliver, Jim Ottomeyer, Nathan Painter, Marty Rueter, and Beth Simmons.

Another thank you to Krey Distributing, White Autobody and Garden View Care Center for

Winners for the golf tournament included: A Flight, 1st place was awarded to Mozingo Music, 2nd place to Jim Ottomeyer’s team. B Flight, 1st place was awarded to Michael Brown’s team, 2nd place to Mark Crank’s team. We hope to see everyone next year!

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SEPTEMBER 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 7

O’FALLON

CONTINUED FROM COVER PAGE America” by CQ Press. “We are truly humbled to again be on this prestigious list,” said Mayor Bill Hennessy. “O’Fallon is a wonderful community in which to live, work and play. This honor is a testament to our residents, our businesses, civic organizations, schools, churches, community volunteers and our elected officials and tremendous City staff. “Our leaders are called on to make O’Fallon the ‘best city in the State of Missouri.’ With this ranking, we have once again achieved that goal, and we have set a standard of excellence that we intend to maintain for future generations.” O’Fallon is the highest-ranked city in the state of Missouri and one of only three Missouri cities to be ranked by Money. St. Charles ranked at number 71 and Florissant ranked at 76. According to Money: Job seekers with families would do well to consider O’Fallon, a super-safe St. Louis suburb that has one of the highest projected rates of increases in employment in the state, top schools, and affordable homes that average just $170,000 for a three-bedroom. While the city is crisscrossed by a mass of highways, the roads help O’Fallon residents get where they need to go, from fine restaurants 40 or so minutes away in St. Louis to the River City Rascals baseball stadium and acres of parks closer to home. In assessing communities, Money magazine compared national statistics on a variety of topics, such as finances (income, taxes, insurance rates, etc.), housing prices, job growth, transportation, public safety, education, leisure and cultural activities, weather, health and demographics for 2012. O’Fallon stood out in several ways: • O’Fallon’s job growth rate of 55.63% from 2000-2011 was higher than nine of the “Top 10” communities on the list. • O’Fallon families have a higher purchasing power than the average of the 100 “best places” listed by Money. • The average home price in O’Fallon is more than 30% lower than the average of the “best places” list. • O’Fallon’s air quality index of 79.3% is better than the Top 100 average • O’Fallon is served by three quality public school districts, 8 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | SEPTEMBER 2012

and test scores for O’Fallon students in both math and reading are more than twice as high as the Top 100 average. • The City is within 30 miles of 17 colleges, universities and professional schools. • O’Fallon residents are 50% less likely to suffer a personal crime compared to the average for the “Top 100 Best Places.” O’Fallon’s rates of one personal crime per 1,000 residents and 16 property crimes per 1,000 residents were significantly lower than the average of the other 100 best cities. In addition to high marks for its low crime rate, O’Fallon also stood out for the number of businesses who have either headquartered or made a significant investment in O’Fallon, the City’s extensive park system, and the overall sense of community that extends throughout the City. “A great City is a partnership of business, government, educational, civic and residential investment,” said O’Fallon’s City Administrator, Keith Riesberg. “What makes this City so special is our continued commitment to study our City and say ‘How can we make it even better?’ Our City staff, elected officials and civic and business leaders understand that we’ve been entrusted with a jewel here in O’Fallon. We’re dedicated to keeping it that way.” The health and safety of the City’s residents also played a significant role in the ranking. “The health and safety of our residents and businesses remain our top priorities,” said O’Fallon Police Chief Roy Joachimstaler. “The O’Fallon Police Department, O’Fallon, Wentzville and Central County Fire Protection Districts and St. Charles County Ambulance District all employ outstanding teams with individuals who have won awards for their training and professional expertise. We’re also fortunate to have tremendous health care facilities with dedicated professionals committed to the health and welfare of our residents.” Money Magazine used statistics from data provider OnBoard Informatics to determine this year’s rankings.

WORKSHOPS HELP MAKE THE MOST OUT OF NETWORKING

he O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce will host a series of Networking Works! workshops to teach local business people not just about the importance of networking, but how to get the most out of the networking they are already doing. The workshops will take place once a month at Staybridge Suites in O’Fallon, MO from October through February. Pete Brown of Sandler Training will lead the workshops with a focus on becoming a more confident and successful networker. “So many tend to believe that networking is really just handing out business cards over lunch. In truth, that is a good way to meet people, but maybe not as effective as having strategic goals associated with how you meet people, why you meet people and how to make networking actually work for your business,” said Erin Williams, President and CEO of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce. “These workshops will give participants not just an elevator speech, but the knowledge to build their ‘personal board of directors’ and how to build relationships that are mutually beneficial so that there is truly a net of people working for and with one another.” The event is open to members and non-members of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce, and registration for one workshop as well as for the whole series is available, and includes a continental breakfast. For more information and to register for the classes visit www.ofallonchamber.org/networking-works or call 636240-1818.

Congratulations! On behalf of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce, I would like to extend our congratulations to- well- all of us, residents, businesses, elected officials and City of O’Fallon staff, for being named the 39th Best Place to Live in America! Only three Missouri cities were ranked and O’Fallon was the only one to break the Top 50. By working together we are continuing to make O’Fallon the best place to live, play and work! Your Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a part of such a dynamic community. Speaking of the strength of our community, I’d like to take a moment to address the question of merging chambers. Yes, this year they seem to be the popular thing to do in St. Charles County; however after discussions with our Executive Committee and staff the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to be in a strong position to serve our members and our O’Fallon community. It is our feeling that our steady growth allows us to build relationships with one another so that we can continue to feel confident about not only doing business with one another, but referring our fellow members to our friends and colleagues. Not only does having a focused area allow us to build relationships with each other, but also includes our elected officials and City staff so that we can all work together towards our mission of, “promoting the economic vitality of O’Fallon…” . We strive to give our members the greatest return on investment possible. Our O’Fallon Chamber continues to grow and with the surrounding Chambers merging, we only see opportunity for the future growth and strength of our organization. Having said all that, I would like to thank our current Board of Directors as well as our past Directors. It is because of their foresight and goal orientated leadership that the O’Fallon Chamber is in our current solid position. Before I go, I would like to give you an update on our new building. We are moving right along! (Actually the contractors are moving right along, I haven’t done any of the construction myself.) Our walls are built, wired, insulated and drywalled. We are currently deciding on paint colors and carpeting. Our monument sign, which will be located at the corner of Bryan and Bryan Valley Commercial Drive, is on schedule to begin construction next week. Keep the Shout Outs Coming! Cindy Elking, Chairman of the Board

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1435 Hoff Industrial Drive, O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-544-3863 | www.operationfoodsearch.org

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT DENNY GLADIEUX Operation Food Search, founded in 1981, is the largest distributor of free food in the St. Louis bi-state region. With a network of 265 agencies (food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens) over 120,000 people are provided food assistance each month. In October 2008, Operation Food Search opened a second distribution center in Wentzville to serve St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren County. In December 2011 the distribution center moved into a 12,000 sq ft warehouse in O’Fallon to better serve the community. The O’Fallon distribution center serves 30 food pantries helping to feed more than 24,000 individuals each month. Almost half of those served are children. . As a leader in the fight against hunger, Operation Food Search’s mission goes above and beyond basic food collection and distribution. Nutrition education, Operation Backpack program, a 24/7 hunger hotline and environmentally-friendly

fundraising initiatives all help Operation Food Search feed the hungry. One of our most important programs is Operation Backpack. Many families in our community rely on the free or reduced-price school lunch program to help provide nutritious meals for their children during the school year. Some of these families struggle to provide those same meals for their children over the weekend. For these children, Operation Backpack helps fill in the gap by providing non perishable meals to be eaten over the weekend when resources may be limited. Currently, Operation Food Search is 380 children in the Wentzville School District, each week with the Operation Backpack program. We are working to raise support to expand the Operation Backpack program into all school districts in St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren Counties. Each backpack cost an average of $5.00 to provide a child with adequate nutrition over the weekend.

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We look forward to working with organizations, businesses, schools, churches and individuals who are concerned for our neighbors who are struggling to meet their most basis need. Working together we can insure that no one needs to be hunger in our community, especially children. Operation Food Search is celebrating 30 years of impacting lives … one meal at a time. For more information contact Denny Gladieux, Community Outreach Director, 636-544-3863.

CHAMBER CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2012 Thursday, September 6 New Member Orientation O’Fallon Chamber Office 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Thursday, September 6 Casino Night Committee O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM CST

Wednesday, September 12 Masters of Business “MOB” Christian High School Annex 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Thursday, September 13 Leads to Success The Falls Golf Club 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Monday, September 10 O’Fallon Elite Webster University in Winghaven 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Friday, September 14 Ribbon Cutting Look! Shops 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Tuesday, September 11 Ambassadors Meeting Delmar Gardens of O’Fallon 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM

Tuesday, September 18 Board of Directors Meeting O’Fallon Chamber Office 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Business After Hours Delmar Gardens of O’Fallon 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Wednesday, September 19 Site Selectors Showcase Garden Villas of O’Fallon 7:00 AM - 11:30 PM

Friday, September 21 Legislative Awareness Committee Rendezvous Cafe 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Monday, September 24 O’Fallon Elite Webster University in Winghaven 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST Tuesday, September 25 General Membership Luncheon Old Hickory Golf Club 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Wednesday, September 26 Masters of Business “MOB” Christian High School Annex 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Thursday, September 27 Leads to Success The Falls Golf Club 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Ribbon Cutting Mary’s Morsels 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Friday, September 28 Ribbon Cutting Hubler Auto Plaza 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Monday, October 1 Chairman’s Book Club Deer Run Library 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Tuesday, October 2 Networking Works! Staybridge Suites 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Thursday, September 20 Tech/Comm Meeting Spencer Road Library Branch 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM SEPTEMBER 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 11

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES WELCOME TO O’FALLON!

The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and the City of O’Fallon celebrates new businesses with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Or, if you are an existing member and moved locations, changed ownership or remodeld let the business community know with a ribbon cutting. Contact Sara to learn more 636.240.1818.

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings: Friday, September 14th @ 3:30 p.m. Look! Shops Friday, September 27th @ 3:30 p.m. Mary’s Morsels and Bakery Friday, September 28th @ 3:30 pm Hubler Auto Plaza

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce Office 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial | O’Fallon, MO 63366

NEW MEMBERS

A VERY SPECIAL WELCOME! Hillside Auto Repair Automotive Services, Body & Repair 400 Church St O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-240-1050 www.hillsideautorepair.net

The Center for Autism Education Non-Profit 105 Sheriff Dierker Ct O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-978-7785 www.teachautism.org

Crackteam-Missouri, LLC Foundation Repair 793 Cypress Knoll Dr O’Fallon, Mo 63368 636-625-3554 www.crackteam-missouri.com

Mary’s Morsels Bakery & Cafe Restaurant 107 O’Fallon Plaza O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-272-1112

Valpak of Greater St. Louis Advertising & Direct Mail 2603 Plantation Point St Charles, MO 63303 314-602-6998 advertise.valpak.com/greater-stlouis

Endless Travel Vacations Travel Services 11500 Olive Blvd., Suite 152 Saint Louis, MO 63141 314-395-9705 www.endlesstravelvacations.com

Mercy Healthcare Services 300 Winding Woods, Suite 210 O’Fallon, MO 63366 314-628-3495 www.mercy.net

Fifth Third Bank Banks 2419 Highway K O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-272-2540 www.53.com

Subway Restaurant 4263 Keaton Crossing O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-300-4292 www.subway.com

Classic Vending & Catering Catering Services 508 Villa Piazza O’Fallon, MO 63366 314-221-6479

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MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES THANK YOU!

Congratulations and thank you to the following companies who as of July 2012 have been O’Fallon Chamber members for... 1 Year Catholic Family Services Eagle Bank and Trust Mercedes Benz of St. Charles Sport Clips True Health Chiropractic Wingate by Wyndham 2 Years Caliber Cast Stone Christian Brothers Automotive Edible Arrangements Hansen’s Tree, Lawn & Landscaping Service Jackman Insurance Group Lawn & Landscape Solutions, LLC Pain Relief Associates 3 Years Assured Title Twin Oaks Estate 4 Years Expert Rentals Quik Cash 5 Years Dardenne Dental 7 Years M&I Bank A part of BMO Financial Group - Hwy K & Laura Hill Nationwide Insurance Matt Estal VSM Abrasives Corporation Winning Technologies 8 Years Craven & Associates O’Fallon Nutrition

9 Years F&M Bank and Trust Company Fritz’s Frozen Custard Maryville University The Vinings of O’Fallon 10 Years Gateway Creative

. . . e p a c Es

vel a r T h wit ders/Jan’s Lea ise u r C & Travel

11 Years Christian High School Minuteman Press - St. Charles

Giveaway!

12 Years Component Bar Products Managerial Accounting Service Wade Stables, P.C. O’Fallon Family YMCA

Now, there is an even better reason to attend O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce events!

15 Years White Auto Body 16 Years Peoples Bank & Trust 17 Years Commerce Bank - E. Elm

You’ve always had the opportunity for networking, building referrals and learning from your fellow members; now you could win the vacation of a lifetime! The more you attend, the better your chance are of winning! Throughout 2012 each time you attend a General Membership Meeting, Business After Hours or Morning Schmooze, your name will be entered into a drawing. The winning vacation recipient will be drawn at the Annual Awards luncheon held on December 18th, 2012.

Want to escape now? Call Travel Leaders/Jan’s Travel & Cruise for other great travel opportunities!

(636) 561-2626 www.travelleaders-janstravel.com

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CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

New members are welcomed at the August General Membership Meeting held at the Christy! Thank you to all those who came out to help us celebrate the closing of the new Chamber office! Another thank you to Premier Rentals, Stefaninaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Christy Banquest Center and Quinessential Catering for their donations.

Good times and networking at the August Business After Rendezvous Cafe hosted a fabulous Business Hours. After Hours this month.

Members sign the interior wall of the soon to be new chamber office. Over 130 members at the August Networking Membership Meeting!

Interested in Advertising in the Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Fallon Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS CONNECTION? Call 636.240.1818 or email sara@ofallonchamber.org

MEMBER MENTIONS NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS

Keep up to date with news, sales, events and more from your fellow members. Contact Sara at sara@ofallonchamber.org to submit your information for future newsletters. Check out www.ofallonchamber.org for more member news and events.

25th Annual Excellence in Community Development Awards Banquet Save the Date for Progress64West 25th Annual Excellence in Community Development Awards Banquet “Celebrating 25 Years of Progress” on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.. The banquet will take place at Doubletree by Hilton located at 16625 Swingley Ridge Rd. in Chesterfield. Masters of Ceremonies will be Tom Shaw, Tom Shaw Realtors and Tom Fleming, Supplies Network, Inc. This year’s 2012 St. Louis County Honorees are: Maryville Centre, THF Realty, St. Louis Family Church, McBride Homes and West Newsmagazine. This year’s 2012 St. Charles County Honorees are: Missouri Research Park, MasterCard, CitiGroup, City of Wentzville General Motors, Partners for Progress, and Hwy. 141 Connector/Boone Bridge/Page Avenue Extension.

Discount for O’Fallon Chamber Members Book your next Group Outing with Brunswick Zone XL St. Peters in the month of September & receive a complimentary $10 Game card per guest! Contact Krissy or Meredith in the sales office for more information at 636-4742695. Brunswick Zone XL is located at 8070 Veterans Memorial Parkway St. Peters, MO 63376.

Look!Shops Grand Opening Join us for our Grand Opening on September 15 and 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday outside you can expect a face painter for the kids, a jewelry corner where kids can make their own bracelet to take home with them, live music, food by Jimmy Johns, and a few other fun things up our sleeves. Inside on Saturday, a pottery demonstration, a Scentsy and Grace Adele handbag presentation, crocheting 101, chair massages, wine tasting and samplings. On Sunday, a pottery demo, a Juice Plus presentation, 31 Handbags presentation, chair massages, wine tasting and samples. All of these appearances are by our individual Shop Owners and more are signing up to make this an awesome event.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Join the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s™, and unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions. Together, we can raise awareness and funds to enhance Alzheimer care and support and advance critical research. The end of Alzheimer’s disease starts here. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, this all-age, all-ability walk has mobilized millions to join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, raising more than $347 million for the cause. 2012 is a record breaking year for the St.

Louis Chapter as we strive to raise over $1 Million towards the fight against Alzheimer’s! Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on September 29, 2012 from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. at t. Charles Community College in Cottleville, MO 63376 Start a Team, Join a Team, Walk to End Alzheimer’s! Register today at www.alz.org/ stl or by calling 800.272.3900.

ABLE General Membership Meeting Our Guest Speaker is Elizabeth George Co-Chair of the Regional Early Childhood Council Vice President, Deaconess Foundation who will be talking about “Economic Impact of Early Learning”. The meeting will be at St. Charles City County Library District, Spencer Rd Branch, Community Commons Room 240 located at 427 Spencer Road, St. Peters, MO on Tuesday, September 18 from 8:00 -9:30 am. Please RSVP by September 14 to Tammie DeLosSantos at tdelossantos@stchas.edu or call (636) 922-8342. Continental Breakfast provided by Commerce Bank.

WHAT MEMBERS ARE SAYING “Through the numerous networking opportunities I have increased my business and have seen a steady growth in a struggling economy. I have also increased my business contacts greatly.” Mark Crank Marcos Productions 314-603-0687 | www.marcos4fun.com

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